They say that with age comes wisdom. In the case of the Mesa State Mavericks, this theory can easily be dispelled.
Former Palisade High School standout Zach Adair took his role as featured back in stride accounting for a series of solid runs. With injuries to starting running back Joey Applehans (ankle) and JR Hamm (knee/ankle), the Mavericks were forced to use new schemes and players. Former Grand Junction High standout and senior Kris Means lined up in a jumbo formation with red shirt freshman running back David Rhodes. Junior Will Halboth played a few plays until he sustained an elbow injury after a solid run.
Defense was the name of the game Saturday morning with the red team engaging in some true smash mouth old school football. The morning was filled with hurries on quarterbacks Robert Felburg, Michael Mankoff, and Jason Haferman. However, each quarterback stated a case for the starting job this fall.
Felberg connected with tight end Tyler Loomis on a short yardage situation, Mankoff creating yardage and a play on a bobbled snap, and Haferman showing a high flying, gun slinging mentality. Haferman rolled out for a touchdown pass as well as a long completion to red shirt freshman Austin Rodriguez as well as a touchdown for red shirt freshman Brennan Belloni. Competition was in full force as the race for quarterback this season is a three way race.
The game did not feature many seniors as some of them only have a semester of eligibility which will be used during the fall.
It looks as though the graduation of last year’s squad will not affect the Mavericks this season. A core group of upperclassmen with experience as well as an exciting group of youngsters will make the quest for the RMAC crown that much easier. Spring ball gives the opportunity for younger players to stake their claim and get prepped for the season. Due to strength and conditioning coach Daniel Linsacum’s tireless efforts, the Mavericks looked as ready as I have seen in my four years at the school. The game was held earlier than usual to give one full month of conditioning in preparation for the upcoming summer months.
The fountain of youth runs strong with the Mavericks this season. In doing that, the excitement level is on an all time high. Fans will fill the seats and Mesa State will more than likely add on to the success of the other successful 2010 squads. Prospects are high and it’s the children of the 90’s to bring it there.